Richard T Standridge 16th Judicial Circuit (Jackson County)

Recommendations

Position

Associate Circuit Judge

Evaluation Year

2014

Background

Judge Richard T. Standridge was appointed as an associate circuit judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit in 1993. He graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law in 1980. He was in private practice with the firm of Copilevitz, Bryant, Gray & Jennings prior to his appointment to the bench. He has held public offices, including Kansas City PIAC and the Jackson County Human Relations Committee.

For many years, Judge Standridge personally created and maintained a website that compiled all of the court rules for the federal and Missouri courts. Many of his reviews highlight his computer savvy. Judge Standridge is also an active member of the Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association and The Missouri Bar.

Discussion

The committee evaluated Judge Standridge based on the results of ratings and comments submitted by attorneys who have appeared in Judge Standridge’s courtroom. The results of those ratings and comments are reviewed and discussed below.

Attorneys who responded to survey questions rated Judge Standridge on a scale of 1-5, with 1 representing “Strongly Disagree” and 5 representing “Strongly Agree.” The judge’s highest scores were for: maintaining a professional demeanor in the courtroom (4.25); treating the parties equally (4.17); and using courtroom time efficiently (4.15). His lowest scores were for: issuing clearly written orders (3.66); decisions following logically from the evidence presented (3.67); and rulings citing the applicable substantive law (3.7). It should be noted that Judge Standridge’s lower scores were well above the level supporting retention.

The committee was able to read a number of his actual orders, and found them to be clearly written. During a courtroom visit, the committee concluded that Judge Standridge listened well to the parties and handled a very large caseload efficiently. This visit also confirmed the high scores he received in the attorney survey. It should also be noted that the committee’s conversations with him regarding a courtroom visit were very pleasant and his response time was very fast.

No juror survey responses were received, as jury trials are not typically conducted in Associate Circuit Court.